Councilmember Greg Baruso announced his run for election to Federal Way City Council Position 2.

Baruso was appointed to council in March 2020 after a controversial eight-hour interview process in which Mayor Jim Ferrell cast the tie-breaking vote. After Baruso’s appointment, some councilmembers noted their disappointment in Ferrell for making the decision too soon, before allowing a second re-vote.

While on council, Baruso became chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee. He previously served as the chair of the Diversity Commission. Throughout the past few months, Baruso said he has also supported initiatives to end racial discrimination, worked to improve communication with marginalized communities within the city, and placed high priority on the city’s COVID-19 recovery.

“I’m proud of the things I have been able to accomplish on behalf of all citizens in Federal Way,” Baruso said. “I’ve listened, worked hard, and tried to be a voice for common sense and social responsibility.”

Another priority is land use planning, Baruso said, adding that with the Sound Transit Link Extension light rail route and station opening in 2024, the city needs a vision on how to best use and develop the project’s area.

“We need to also prioritize our needs when it comes to housing and business in our city center core – including looking at affordable low and medium income housing that can help create jobs and assist our homeless,” he said.

Another focus for Baruso is responsible policing, he said. Baruso clarified his stance is not about defunding police, but rather “assisting our police department in assessing how to best serve the needs of our city and those of its citizens.”

Prior to his council appointment, Baruso served for 12 years on the City of Federal Way’s Diversity Commission, is President of the Citizens for Federal Way Public Schools, and as a member of the Diversity Commission, directed both the MLK Food Drive and the Flavor of Federal Way events.

Greg is a 35-year firefighter captain for the Port of Seattle. He has earned awards of Firefighter of the Year and the Northwest Burn Foundation’s Volunteer of the Year.